Rear End Whine

[imp]

Kevin, this could be a tough one.....if it were me, I would support the vehicle up off the ground at appropriate suspension points, as close to the tires as possible, on good, sturdy stands, and have some one run that AWD in drive while I listen directly at the differential, with a "noise probe" (stethoscope). Long screwdriver will work, with rounded handle end pressed to ear.

You might find the noise is NOT originating in either differential this way. A lot of hassle, to be sure, but then, so is a sudden driveline failure when noises are ignored.......imp

 

[Kevin Barry]

IMP- Thanks for your reply. I've determined it is the Pinion Bearing, listening to it all the noise is at the front side of the diff where the driveshaft connects rather than in the diff. I've decided to go to the boneyard and swap out the rear end completly rather than monkeying with gears. Seems likes a more cost effective fix too.